MTN 3.5G FAQ
There's been so much noise about the 3.5G technology and so little understanding of what it really means. 3.5G is simply Third Generation and it's a term used to describe a technology that facilitates faster data downloads and stunning video streaming services. Find the answers to those questions you've always wanted to ask.
So, Go know it all and transform your world!
1. Is 3.5G not the same as BlackBerry?
No it's not. BlackBerry from MTN is a service that brings together smartphones and software to provide you access to your office or personal email, phone, calendar, applications and more while on the go. Blackberry from MTN gives you the power to do much more.
2. Is 3.5G different from the MTN Loaded?
3.5G is to mobile devices what injectors are to petrol engines it makes you go much faster, allows you to see much more. 3.5G thus enhances the functionality of the MTN Loaded Portal, allowing much faster download speeds than ever before if you have a 3.5G phone, or device.
3.Is it the same as the World Cup downloads?
See 2 above
4. Why is 3.5G so different from what I have always known?
Because of the super-high speed compared with GPRS or EDGE, and because of the mobility compared to fixed line.
5. Do I need to buy a new SIM card to enjoy 3.5G benefits?
No. All MTN SIMS will automatically be 3.5G enabled. Just use your 3.5G phone, or buy a new 3.5G phone or (data card for your PC) if you don't have one already.
6. How do I know I am connected to 3.5G?
If using an MTN 3.5G data card or USB modem, the friendly user interface will show if you are connected to 3.5G, GPRS or EDGE. If using a 3.5G phone, your phone screen will indicate whether you are connected to 3.5G, GPRS or EDGE, usually by looking at the top corner of your screen, depending on your phone type.
7. Do I need to buy a new 3.5G phone to enjoy the services?
If you already have a 3.5G phone that is not locked to another network, you do not need to buy a new phone. Otherwise, you could buy a 3.5G device such as a 3.5G phone or a 3.5G USB modem or data card to use MTN's exciting 3.5G Services.
8. How do I know if my current phone can access 3.5G services?
Search if your phone has some 3.5G features e.g Video Call. You can also check your phone's manual.
9. What types of phone do I need to enjoy the benefits of 3.5G services?
3G Nokia E Series, Sony Ericsson etc. You can also check your phone manual, or our website.
10. Does my 3.5G-service subscription come with handsets?
No. 3.5G subscription if required, is between subscriber and the operator depending on how the operator packaged its offerings.
11. Can 2.5G co-exist with 3.5G?
Yes. 3.5G and 2.5G coverage can certainly co-exist. As MTN rolls out its high-speed 3.5G/HSPA network to cover Nigeria, you will be able to use GPRS automatically if you temporarily move out of 3G coverage.
12. How do I know I am in a 3.5G coverage area?
Your device will show you a 3.5G, GPRS or EDGE sign, just like the way using cell information display works.
13. What happens to my network connection when I leave the coverage areas?
It automatically switches to the available coverage e.g GPRS, EDGE or GSM, if you have set your device to switch in AUTOMATIC mode.
14. Can I enjoy 3.5G offerings when roaming in another country?
Yes . You can enjoy 3.5G voice and data on any of several 3G networks abroad, with which MTN has roaming agreements.
15. Is it meant for postpaid subscribers only?
All customers, including Postpaid and Prepaid subscribers can enjoy MTN 3.5G.
16. Do I still need to use the normal recharge cards or there are special 3.5G recharge cards?
Normal recharge cards.
17. Do I need some settings code to sign up for 3.5G services?
If your handset/phone is not already configured for MTN's Data services, you will need to request for data settings by texting SETTINGS to 3888, free of charge. You will automatically receive settings if your phone can accept settings sent to it by MTN, and once you have saved those settings as your default data settings, you are 3.5G ready.
If your 3G phone is already configured e.g if you already use MTN GPRS, then you need do nothing else.
18. Can I migrate from my current GPRS-based internet package to the new platform at no cost?
Yes. But for most services, no special migration is required between GPRS and 3.5G.
19. Will I be able to enjoy CallerTunez on this platform?
Yes, why not?
20. Can my friends view videos from me if they don't have 3.5G phones?
If your friends have multimedia phones (including some GPRS enabled phones, and all 3.5G phones) they will be able to play short video clips. You and your friends will however need to have 3.5G phones in order to make video calls between one another.
21. Any possibilities of virus attacking my system when I migrate to 3.5G?
MTN’s 3.5G network is secure. However, as your 3G smart phone gets more sophisticated, you need to continue to exercise caution when installing program, accessing the internet or using your bluetooth.
VIDEO CALLS
22. How do I make a Video call?
Select video call on your phone.
23. How do I know my next call is a video call (different from a video call)?
Your phone will show video call.
24. Are there any constraints or restrictions on duration of video call?
No, but will depend on 3.5G coverage as you move from location to location.
25. Can I leave video messages when anyone misses my calls?
No. It's not available yet.
26. Will I be able to make video calls to other networks (GSM and fixed)?
Not available yet. 3.5G roaming required.
27. Can I record my video call?
Yes, you can.
28. Can I make a video call to someone with a camera phone even if my phone does not have a camera?
No, you must have a 3.5G phone to make a video call.
29. Can I reject a video call if I am not in the best position to receive the call?
Yes.
30. Can I do call forwarding with a video call?
Not yet available.
31. Can I do call barring with a video call?
Yes, you can.
32. How much do I pay for a video call per seconds?
Tariffs will be published on launch.
33.Can I do a video conferencing with 3 or 4 multiple video calls simultaneously?
Not yet.
BROADBAND INTERNET
34. Why is this so different from EVDO?
3.5G is the next evolution of 2.5G GSM for mobile broadband currently available to mobile phones.
35. Will the speed be better and seamless connection guaranteed?
Yes, you’d have better speed. Seamless connection is not guaranteed until 3.5G coverage (rollout in progress) becomes contiguous as usual. MTN aims to provide you with coverage everywhere you go
36. Do I need to have an MTN SIM to enjoy 3.5G broadband internet?
Yes
37. Does the installation include the use of software/hardware and how can this be done?
Data cards already have default software that are installed.
38. When taking (buying) the data card, do I need to provide my utility bills, photo ID etc?
Not really, it's not necessary.
39. What types of laptops support broadband internet on the MTN 3.5G?
Laptops with USB or PCMCIA slots.
40. Am I going to be charged per hour or per day or per megabyte?
The different simple options are available to you to choose from.
41. What happens if I use the data card or USB Modem on a different laptop?
It will prompt you to install software.
42. Does the data card or USB Modem have a content control bar on it?
MTN data cards and modems have a console/counter that allows you to track your data usage. However, for content-type restrictions, this will depend on the internet settings chosen by you or your System Administrator.
43. What data speeds are enabled by 3.5G?
Up to 3.6 Mbits p/s.
44. Apart from having a faster internet connection, does 3.5G have any other advantage?
Many more useful applications that are speed and video related.
45. What happens if I lose the 3.5G network during a data session?
It connects to available GPRS (data) network.
46. Can I share my internet access with one or two other users?
Yes, with an MTN wireless router.